Health officials in the United States are confirming more measles cases as an outbreak continues in Texas.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) and the Franklin County Health Department announced a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident on Wednesday.
This is the first case in Kentucky in two years. The person recently traveled internationally to an area where measles is spreading.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, two new measles cases were reported in Bergen County. These cases are linked to a patient whose case was confirmed earlier this month.
Officials have found no connection between the cases in Kentucky and New Jersey. There is also no evidence linking them to the outbreak in Texas, which has affected 124 people and resulted in one death in an unvaccinated child.
Efforts to Track Potential Contacts
Kentucky health officials are now trying to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the virus by the infected resident. The person visited a Planet Fitness gym in Frankfort on February 17 while contagious.
KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack emphasized the importance of vaccination, saying, “Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. Fortunately, it can be prevented with the MMR vaccine, which is safe and effective.”
New Jersey Cases Linked to Unvaccinated Family
An official told ABC News that the new cases in New Jersey involve members of the same unvaccinated family. Since the cases are within one household, public health officials are hopeful that the spread will be limited.
The original case tested positive after international travel. People who visited Englewood Hospital’s Emergency Department on February 5 may have been exposed and could develop symptoms until March 6.
Measles Case Reported in the Seattle Area
On Thursday, health officials in King County, Seattle, confirmed the first measles case of the year in an infant.
The infant may have been exposed to the virus during international travel. Last year, there were three cases in King County.
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Why Measles is Highly Contagious?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one infected person can spread measles to up to nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who come into close contact with them.
Importance of Vaccination
Health officials continue to urge people who are not vaccinated to get the MMR vaccine. The CDC recommends two doses: the first at 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
One dose is 93% effective, while two doses are 97% effective. Most vaccinated adults do not need a booster shot.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to successful vaccination programs. However, CDC data shows that vaccination rates have been declining in recent years.
This drop in vaccination rates is contributing to the return of measles cases in the country.
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